Surname Meulen - Meaning and Origin

Meulen: What does the surname Meulen mean?

The last name Meulen is of Dutch origin and it typically translates to "mill." The name likely refers to an occupation or a location, meaning it may have been initially given to individuals who either worked at a mill or lived near a mill. Such locational or occupational surnames were common in Europe to easily distinguish between people who have the same first names. Moreover, different variations and spelling of this last name can be found, such as Van der Meulen, which means "from the mill." As with many surnames, the specific meaning can vary and may have evolved or changed over time. Thus, while "mill" is the most accepted interpretation, the exact significance might differ between families possessing this surname.

Meulen: Where does the name Meulen come from?

The surname Meulen is of Dutch origin and is derived from “van der Meulen” which means ‘from the mill.’ This is an occupational surname given to individuals who worked in a mill. It may also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a mill. Today, it is spread worldwide due to migration and globalization, but it is more common in the Netherlands, the region of Flanders in Belgium, and South Africa due to historical ties with Dutch colonization. Variations of the surname can also be found among descendants of Dutch immigrants in the United States and Canada. It's worth noting that the spelling and pronunciation of the surname can vary depending on the geographical location and local dialects. The most common variations are Van der Meulen, Vandermeulen and Vermeulen.

Variations of the surname Meulen

The surname Meulen is of Dutch origin and may have different spellings and variants. It can appear as van Meulen, van der Meulen, or Vermeulen, with "van" meaning "from", indicating a geographical origin. These versions would suggest the person is from Meulen or a similar named location.

Variations of this surname can also be found across other Germanic languages, such as Mühlen or Müller in German, and Molen in English. Even the French have a variant, Moulin. All these surnames also refer to a mill or a miller, which suggests that the original bearers of these surnames had that occupation.

In Belgian Dutch, the surname might appear as van der Molen. In some cases, people may have shortened or altered these names over time, leading to more variations. An offset of the Meulen surname, due to emigration and localization in different countries, is Meulens, Meulenaar, Meuleneire, Meuleniere, Meulenkamp, Meulensteen, and Meulenveld.

The surname Meulen and its variants are quite common across the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries with Dutch or German heritage.

Famous people with the name Meulen

• Maarten Meulen, Actor
• Willem van der Meulen, Politician
• Julia Meulen, Artist
• Rob Meulen, Rower
• Frits Meulen, Sailor
• Dieter Meulen, Table Tennis Player
• Hanneke Meulen, Rhythmical Gymnast
• Mariska Meulen, Figure Skater
• Déan Meulen, YouTuber
• Eric Meulen, Writer

Other surnames

Meulenkamp